Folorunso Alakija’s Foundation celebrates 10 years of providing succour for widows and orphans
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| Mrs Folorunso Alakija, Founder RoSF |
and orphanages exactly a decade ago on the 23rd of May, 2008 is celebrating its
10th anniversary.
The Rose of Sharon foundation was founded by Mrs Folorunso
Alakija to guarantee the financial independence & educational opportunities
for widows & orphans through schemes & programmes that assure greater self-esteem
& ease of socio-economic integration. The foundation hasn’t just stopped
there, just last year, it launched a youth empowerment scheme which trained
over 100 youth enabling them to become part of the country’s working class.
The foundation also boasts several educational, mentorship
and skills acquisition programs for the widows. Over the years, it has managed
to empower thousands of widows who are now able to function without needing
assistance from the foundation.
A journey that started with three (3) widows on 23rd May,
2008, has culminated into a network of almost a thousand widows today. Since
inception, RoSF has empowered 970 widows – 11 of whom are in university,
awarded scholarships to 1,366 widow’s children and 72 orphans.
conditions attached. It has also provided accommodation for
residential/business purposes for 82 widows.
As Rose of Sharon turns 10 years , the truly altruistic
nature of her founder, Mrs Folorunso Alakija, is celebrated in her generosity
towards the disadvantaged as well as the board of trustees and team members who
have kept this machine fueled.
A member of ROSF, Mrs Elizabeth Njoku, said this about the
foundation: “Today two of my kids are in university. One is in final year and
the other is in her 2nd year. Mrs Alakija is a God-send.
several interest-free loans, i just took my third one. She does not
discriminate not even based on ethnicity. I want to thank her because I am
amazed when I look back and see how far I’ve come.”
nationwide.
